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In June 2025, Purple Martins, one of the largest species of swallows, appeared in Stockbridge, MA, marking the first confirmed breeding record for the birds in the Berkshires in 130 years. This is part of a huge conservation success story of the collaborative efforts in the northwest corner of Connecticut between the Marvelwood School, the Kent Land Trust, the Purple Martin Conservation Association (PMCA), Sharon Audubon Center, the Jeniam Foundation, and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. These efforts have restored and expanded inland Purple Martin breeding populations in Connecticut. In New England, according to the Breeding Bird Survey and the PMCA, CT and MA are the only states with positive population growth for this species in the region. While populations in MA have stagnated a bit in the last few years, population growth in CT continues to increase.

One of the Purple Martins found breeding in Stockbridge, MA was color banded and confirmed to be a bird banded two years ago by my interview guests two years ago at The Emily Winthrop Miles Wildlife Audubon Sanctuary in Sharon, CT.

Laurie Doss and Ashley Wilkins are two of the key individuals involved in this work. Laurie is the science department chair at Marvelwood School and sits on the boards of directors for the Kent Land Trust and the Purple Martin Conservation Association. Ashley is a Kent Land Trust intern, a former Marvelwood student, and a University of Rhode Island sophomore studying animal science. They discuss the unique relationship between humans and Purple Martins, the birds' current status, community partnerships and the inter-generational commitment to martin conservation fostered by this work. They also share ways we can help Purple Martins in the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas.

It is important to note that all banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s BBL and state permits.

Want to join the force to protect Purple Martins? Contact Laurie at laurie.doss@marvelwood.org !

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Hosted by Mayuko Fujino, "Beakuency" invites the local community to be inspired by the joy, beauty, and wisdom bird enthusiasts find in the nature of our neighborhoods. Every episode features an interview with local bird people, plus a freeform mix of sound made by birds and humans inspired by birds.

Read the interview transcripts and see more photos at beakuency.substack.com.

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